In Eddy County, scammers hoping to find victims through the online groups offering items and services for sale will hopefully be deterred when asked to meet at a safe exchange zone.

"With the proliferation of Facebook and Craigslist type internet exchanges being conducted, we have established well-lit and video monitored areas in the front parking of our offices where folks can conduct their exchanges rather than meeting at private residences," Sheriff Mark Cage wrote in a Facebook page.

Safe exchange zones are located at 1502 Corrales Drive in Carlsbad and at the Eddy County Sheriff's sub-office in Artesia located at 3300 W. Main St.

Jessica Onsurez can be reached at 575-628-5531, jonsurez@currentargus.com or @JussGREAT on Twitter.